A Practical Guide to House Renovations in Malaysia

Renovating your house sounds exciting in theory — until you’re knee-deep in tiles you didn’t order, your contractor stops replying, and your “budget-friendly” makeover suddenly needs a small loan. If that hits too close to home, you’re not alone.

House renovations in Malaysia can feel like a full-time job, especially when juggling permits, design choices, and figuring out whether that wall is actually load-bearing. The process can also be time-consuming and, at times, confusing.

Whether you’re refreshing your aging kitchen in Petaling Jaya or giving your whole home in Shah Alam a facelift, the process can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

So, What Exactly is House Renovation?

House renovation isn’t just about slapping on new wall paint or changing your curtains. In Malaysia, it often means serious upgrades — knocking down walls, rewiring, waterproofing, and sometimes asking your neighbor’s permission because your tiles are getting a little too adventurous.

Whether you’re updating a landed home in Subang or giving your high-rise condo in Mont Kiara a facelift, renovation can be as simple as a bathroom refresh or as extensive as a full interior and exterior transformation.

Types of Renovations We See Every Day:

• Kitchen Overhauls – From cramped to culinary heaven

• Bathroom Redesigns – Say goodbye to awkward layouts

• Living & Dining Updates – Open up spaces, create flow

• Built-in Storage Solutions – Because shoes multiply like magic

• Full-Home Makeovers – For that “new house, same address” feel

• Exterior Facelifts – Yes, your porch deserves love too

How Much Does a House Renovation Cost in Malaysia?

Let’s be honest — when it comes to house renovations, the budget is often the elephant in the room. Whether you’re doing up a 30-year-old terrace house or giving your condo a minimalist makeover, the cost can vary wildly depending on what you’re planning to do (and how ambitious you’re feeling).

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Basic Touch-Ups (RM20k–RM50k):

Repaint, change flooring, upgrade a few fittings — think of it as giving your home a refreshed look without major surgery.

Mid-Range Renovations (RM50k–RM150k):

Kitchen and bathroom remodels, built-ins, and layout changes.

Full Home Overhaul (RM150k+):

Tearing down walls, redoing plumbing, rewiring — this is your full-on transformation.

Of course, these figures can swing depending on your property type (landed vs. condo), the materials you choose, and how detailed your design is. Renovating a 3-bedroom condo in Mont Kiara will look very different (and cost very differently) than updating a single-storey terrace in Klang.

It also pays to factor in things like permits (especially for structural work), professional fees, and a little buffer for the inevitable “since we’re already at it” moments. Trust us — they always happen.

Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Quality

Renovation doesn’t have to mean burning a hole in your wallet. With some planning (and resisting the “just one more feature” temptation), you can keep costs manageable. Here are some pro tips:

Set a Realistic Budget (with Buffer)

Expect surprises. Set aside 10–15% extra for the things you didn’t plan for — like that leaking pipe behind the kitchen tiles.

Must-Have vs. Nice-to-Have

A built-in wine fridge might be fancy, but is it more important than new plumbing?

Reuse Where You Can

Repaint cabinets. Polish old flooring. Not everything needs replacing.

Prioritize Built-Ins Strategically

Built-ins are great, especially in kitchens and wardrobes. Elsewhere, modular works fine.

Compare Apples to Apples

Don’t go for the lowest quote blindly — compare materials, scope, and reliability.

Design Smart, Not Expensive

A great designer helps you avoid mistakes, improve flow, and maximise every square foot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During House Renovations

We’ve all heard the horror stories — the budget that tripled, the “contractor” who vanished, the tiles that looked great online but turned out to be… not quite what you expected. Before you dive in headfirst, here are some classic pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Underestimating the Budget

Thinking RM50,000 will magically cover a full house overhaul in KL? Think again. Many homeowners forget to account for hidden costs — like rewiring, waterproofing, or fixing what the previous renovation broke. Always factor in a 10-20% buffer for surprises (trust us, there will be surprises).

2. Over-renovating for the Property Type

A penthouse-style walk-in wardrobe in a 700 sqft condo? Ambitious — but possibly not the best use of space. Your renovation should add value and function without turning your home into a showroom that’s hard to live in.

3. Skipping the Planning Phase

Jumping in without a layout plan, timeline, or mood board is like driving to Penang without Waze. Sure, you’ll get there eventually… maybe. Always map things out, even if it’s just a simple checklist with your contractor.

4. Hiring Based on Price Alone

We all love a good deal, but “cheap” sometimes comes with costly mistakes. Vet your renovator. Read reviews. Ask for portfolios. If the quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Ignoring Lifestyle Needs

A beautiful open kitchen sounds great — until your toddler finds the rice cooker cable. Renovations should match how you live, not just how it looks on Pinterest.

6. Not Getting the Right Permits

Especially for landed homes or strata-titled condos, approval from management or local councils might be needed. Ignoring this can cause delays — or worse, fines. Don’t learn this the hard way.

Why Work with an Interior Design Firm for House Renovation?

Some homeowners love a good DIY challenge — until the cabinet doors don’t align, or the “budget-friendly” contractor ghosts halfway through the job.

The truth is, house renovation isn’t just about picking pretty tiles or hacking down walls. It’s a delicate balance between design sensibility, functional layout, material selection, and project coordination. That’s where an experienced interior design firm comes in.

With the right design team, you don’t just get someone to pick colours and cushions. You get a partner who translates your lifestyle into a liveable space — while managing timelines, coordinating contractors, and helping you avoid costly mistakes. From technical drawings to space planning, to making sure your plumbing and electrical works don’t clash — it’s all covered.

And let’s face it — when renovations go wrong, they’re not just expensive. They’re stressful. An interior design firm helps smoothen the journey, offering professional guidance from start to finish, so you spend less time worrying about tile gaps and more time enjoying your upgraded space.

Ready to Renovate Without the Headache?

We know house renovations can feel like a huge leap — but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re revamping a single room or taking on a full-home makeover, having the right team makes all the difference.

At Spaciz Design, we bring together creativity, experience, and hands-on support to make your renovation journey smoother, smarter, and more satisfying. Let’s talk ideas, budgets, and how we can make your space work better for you. Contact us now!